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3.27.2014

Dear Reader, I apologize for keeping you in the dark this month. A number of exciting and terrifying things have gone on in the past few weeks which have unfortunately shoved writing & photography to the back of my mind.

To begin with, I took a wonderful trip to NYC. J and I visited old friends there and rediscovered our favorite spots from our last visit. We packed light, which meant I had to leave the nice camera at home. Trying to experience less through my smart phone and more through my own eyes resulted in few pics to share from my journey, but I will try to post the few I did take soon.

One week after my return, I was flying high on vacation breather time and celebrating the sunny weather Seattle graciously loaned us for all of 5 days. It was only fitting that at the end of this glorious week I found my front bumper lodged in someone else's car door, cursing the day I decided to stay in a city without a subway system. This was my first ever car accident, and a fully week later I'm still shaky from it, even though I'm (thankfully) okay. Needless to say that's stirred up some distraction.

Finally, I started rehearsals for a new show, The Grimaldis, which I'm very excited to share more about soon! For now, I have to plod on with life, so I'll leave you with these brief words and a plea to check back soon! I haven't gone for good!

3.10.2014

This should be the fun part. Give yourself permission to explore, splurge, and experiment as your new wardrobe takes shape.

The collages below offer an example of my most recent budget purchases. When winter weather arrived in December, I was seriously lacking in the sweater department. I threw away about four tops from last year's stock, then I filled in the gaps with versatility: a cable knit sweater, a thick cardigan, and a lighter graphic print pull-over.

I also wanted a casual coat that would serve as warmer alternative to my trench. I've seen anoraks like the one below floating around several of my favorite fashion blogs. When I spotted this one online during Black Friday, I heeded inspiration and jumped on the deal immediately.

Throughout fall, I often found myself in need of a black shoe and a simple flat, so I consolidated by purchasing these black ballet flats.

On occasion, if funds allow, I'll make a preemptive buy for next season. While I try not to do this before I've reviewed my wardrobe needs, shopping out of season can be a great way to find deals. The crop tee below, for example, was about $5 at Express in mid-January. Crop tops might not be as in-vogue this summer as they were last, but a classic color like white is a safe bet. This will stay in storage until the weather warms up again.

These other purchases were replacements, Christmas presents, or
wish-list items from fall. I'm a big believer in putting some time
between inspiration and investment. Unless it's the last of its kind,
almost anything will still be available a week after the fact. Taking a week will
give you some distance to consider whether you really need whatever you were lusting after. (It also removes you from the overwhelming stimuli of the mall, which can cloud any rational decision....) When I first saw the graphic sweater above, I was shopping for my fall wardrobe. Within that budget, I couldn't rationalize buying another top. So, I snapped a picture on my phone, then bookmarked it online. I checked in every couple of weeks for sale prices. I even hinted at it for a Christmas gift. When it was still on my mind three months later, I decided to spring for it. Now I love it all the more!

Absent from these collages are all the items I purchased and then returned over the course of the season. This is another important skill to master. If you take something home and it just doesn't feel perfect, do yourself (and the environment) a favor, and take it back. It will most likely be perfect for someone else, and you take pride in putting their wardrobe soul mate back on the market.

Well, I hope you found these past few posts useful. What are your budgeting and shopping tips? Let me know in the comments!

About Me

My name is Rachel Brow. An NYC-based actor and writer, I view personal style as a method of creating, discovering, and communicating character. Join me on my journey toward a stylishly sustainable wardrobe!